Thomas “Jeff” Hughes, CEM,MEP

Chief, Exercise Support Division

Force Readiness Command, U. S. Coast Guard

Jeff Hughes became Chief, Exercise Support Division in 2009. The Division provides support and expertise in the design, development, conduct, and evaluation for all-threats/all-hazards contingency exercises. He was a 2010 Department of Homeland Security Senior Fellow. He is a Master Exercise Practitioner and a Certified Emergency Manager. He graduated from the Coast Guard Academy in 1985 with a BS in Government. In 2000 he was awarded a MA in National Security Strategy and Strategic Studies from the U. S. Naval War College.

Prior to this assignment Mr. Hughes was the Deputy of the Office of Contingency Exercises. He joined federal civilian service following a 23 year active duty career as an officer in the U. S. Coast Guard. His final assignment on active duty was as a Strategic Planner, the Joint Staff (J-7) in 2007. He served three tours afloat as Operations Officer in USCGC ESCANABA, Commanding Officer USCGC POINT KNOLL and Deck Watch Officer in USCGC UNIMAK. Shore assignments included the Chief, Contingency Plans and Exercises; Liaison to the Chief of Naval Operations; College of Naval Command and Staff, Naval War College; Chief, Cadet Training and Assessment Section, Coast Guard Academy; Coordinator of the Ship Control and Navigation Training Simulator; and Command Center Duty Officer, Atlantic Area.

Mr. Hughes is a member of the Military Officers Association of America, the Association of Contingency Planners, and the International Association of Emergency Managers.